HOPE

By Tessa Harvey

CHAPTER EIGHT

It was a cool but bright spring day when Ayleen and her twin children officially, by their agreement also, legally became the Carter family. A great crowd witnessed the ceremony, the Reillys in pride of place, Bridie dressed in her best of cream green top and matching trousers. Declan kept fiddling with his collar and tie and, mirroring him was Tom. They looked uncomfortable.

Tom had gradually come to be at peace about Hope. At Steve's funeral, which few attended, except family and none of his "mates," the boy has seen Hope's stricken face and had been moved to pity. He remembered also the reflection in the mirror, and knew God had reminded him that, deep in his heart and mind, Tom knew his twin. 

Hope was overjoyed to find the brother of whom she still had memories. Less certain was being reconciled with a mother who had abandoned her.

But she needed a mother and grew over the months to gradually accept her. 

The ceremony to unite the three as family also included (as well as the Reillys), Jean Lewis, Neville and Leaf and their children. Maya was very happy, as the Carters were coming to live not far away!

Ayleen had said a warm goodbye to her kind neighbours, Jason and his mother, Sonja. When her former residence sold, Ayleen should have enough money to be at home with the twins for a couple of weeks. Neville had offered her a job with his firm.

Tom had already found some friends his own age, and little Wes was delighted to have a big brother even though they were not related.

The Bible verse chosen for the ceremony was Jeremiah chapter 29 and verse 11. The minister explained the meaning clearly and Tom liked the message, though God was still as yet unclear to him.

This verse is as relevant today as it was when written and applies to all who long for Jesus to be part of their lives. It is "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"That man said He is giving us Hope," whispered Wes in a clear voice, "but we've already got her!!" 

There were murmured chuckles and the minister smiled, "Yes," he stated, " Hope has been given back to her family and now she really has a hope and a future.

But, young man, those words are for you too. Soon you will be seven and God means for you to grow up with Jesus as well as with your family." 

Seeing the little boy open his mouth to say something else, the minister hastened to add that the message was also for Tom, his mother, the dear Reillys who had always been "grandparents" to Hope, and all those present.

And, thought Ayleen, because Steve called to Jesus at the end of his life, they probably applied to him too.

THE END

Coming Soon: THE SHOUT OF A KING